This post is for all you writers out there because #solidarity! Do you ever get frustrated with people not taking your career seriously? Because sometimes?? Well, it’s all I can do to keep myself from shouting…YES! Writing IS a job!

I’ve been thinking about this a lot in the last six months based on far too many interactions I’ve had with people close to me. On one occasion, I was talking with an someone and they asked, “Are you still writing?” Granted, I’m sure this person didn’t mean anything bad by the remarks, but still…it stung. Big time.

I sometimes feel like people underestimate me as a writer. Or, that I shouldn’t be writing about the things I write about. You know what? That hurts more than you know. Because when I’m sharing my story, I’m choosing to be vulnerable. I’m offering a piece of myself with my words. Each and every word I write is me. So when people dismiss my life’s work as a hobby or even say that what I write doesn’t belong on my blog? It’s like they’re dismissing me. It’s like they’re saying I’m too much. It’s like they’re saying they don’t like me. They’re not only insulting my writing…they’re insulting me. I am my writing. And the sting of their words feels like the ultimate rejection.

Maybe I’m just being super sensitive, but it feels like people tend to write off (no pun intended!) writing as an actual job. I feel like they’re saying, “Oh, isn’t that a fun little hobby you have,” you know? As if it’s something I do on the side, which, of course, is totally fine if that’s what you want to do. I’m definitely NOT trying to shame people who do write for a hobby. But, writing is my job. It’s something I put my heart and soul into every single day, so for people to be so callous and thoughtless is pretty disappointing.

I suppose that’s really the overall message of this post: PLEASE give writers their props freely and often! We writers work hard, and, sadly, all those words we write don’t just fall out of the sky and into our laps.

And also, remember this little gem: Writers write about their life and they write about the things that happen to them. They’re not going to apologize for it!

So what do you tell yourself when this happens, friends? Do people ever underestimate you, whether it’s unintentional or on purpose? I sure wish I had answers for dealing with this! Maybe I’m just cranky and need a root beer? That could be true too…

Ooh, that scary word! There’s a whole lot of meaning wrapped in that one word, isn’t there? It’s such a charged word — one that can empower you and terrify you at the same time.

Inspiration.

How do you find it? How do you keep it? And maybe most importantly, how do you get that elusive inspiration back when it’s suddenly gone?

I’m feeling so…disconnected from writing lately. Imposter syndrome, maybe? Whatever it is, I can’t help but feel discouraged. I accomplished so much in 2017, and it’s like I haven’t found that same momentum in 2018 yet. What if I’ve peaked as a writer?

Sometimes, usually out of frustration, I’ll just blurt out, “That’s it. I have nothing original left to say!” (shout-out to whoever picked up on that Frasier reference!). And, honestly, that’s exactly how I feel. I’m not being extra, which, I know, does sound a bit extra in itself. Maybe I’m saying it out of fear? Being all out of ideas is a fate worse than death for us writers, and I’ve really been fearing that blank page (err, computer screen) lately!

Plus, there’s sort of a catch-22 to this whole thing: Taking a step back and recharging is always a good way to get that inspiration back, but everything moves so fast on the Internet. So, actually taking a break would cause me MORE stress in the long run, which would sap any inspiration I had accumulated, you know? It’s a very tricky and complicated situation, as you can see!

I did get back into my usual routine last week of going to the library to work…and then I got sidelined by this wonderful cold/flu hybrid. Ack!!! Thwarted again!!

Here’s a start, at least: Kermit the Frog always inspires me! How can that cute creature not make you smile and feel like everything is right with the world??

So, friends, how do you find inspiration when you need it most? Where do you find it? Are there certain sources that you keep going back to, like books or family…or pets? I’d love to put our heads together and come up with some great inspiration in the comments!! xoxo

As I start working recently, I stumbled across the #WhyIWrite hashtag that was trending on Twitter a few weeks ago. I love that it was trending because it really got me thinking about my own writing. I could give a handful of reasons for why I write, like…

• It’s my job

• I want to share my story

• I want to help others

• I’m trying to make sense of the world

But really, it’s simple: I write because it’s WHO I AM. Honestly, I don’t know who I’d be without it. It’s enriched my life — and at times, even saved my life. This writing thing, I think it’s going to stick around for awhile. I’m pretty certain I’ve discovered my passion.

In the last month, my world has been turned upside down, and I’ve learned the hard way that some people simply don’t understand why I write about the personal and vulnerable aspects of my life. My heart was broken by their cruel and insensitive words, as if I’m somehow being selfish for telling my story openly and honestly.

But here’s where they’re wrong: I’m not just writing for me. I have an email folder where I save emails I get from people. Any time I start to question myself, I read those emails — words from complete strangers who could identify with my writing or who were help, even in a small way, by my words. This is why I do what I do. This is why I overshare and why I’ve come to love writing and blogging so much. For people to know they’re not alone. How can writing for that reason ever be a bad thing??

I’m forever certain of one thing: My writing. It’s part of my soul. This isn’t just some fun hobby for me. This is my career. I won’t ever be silenced or told what I can and can’t write. As I always say, “You can’t silence my pen” and that is so true! #WriterLife

And, as always, here’s a radical notion: If you don’t like something, don’t read it. Simple as that. That little x at the top right of your browser window is a beautiful thing!

So I suppose this is my impassioned plea to the world: PLEASE SUPPORT THE WRITERS IN YOUR LIFE! Ask them what they’ve been working on. Give them a high-five for their latest byline. Let them know their work is being seen and isn’t just disappearing in a black hole!

It’s not that hard and I promise that it’ll make them feel smile. I know this from experience!

Why do you write, friends? What draws you to the page — err, I mean the keyboard? Do you feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulder once you get it all out? Seriously, if you want to be inspired, check out that Twitter hashtag! It’s totally giving me life and endless inspiration right now!! xoxo

How can it be that I’ve never come across this wonderful quote by author Anne Lamott until now? It completely speaks to my heart, especially the part about owning your story!

I just keep thinking how true this sentiment is, especially in my life as a blogger! And, yes, I say “life” for a very specific reason — because blogging has never been just a career to me. From day one, it’s been part of my life, something I’m so attached to that cutting me off from it would probably be akin to losing a limb.

In fact, I used to have this disclaimer on my sidebar (OK, maybe some would even call it a warning)…

If I fall in love with you or you break my heart, you’ll find yourself in these pages.

So I’m pretty sure I ticked off a guy or two over the years with my honest tales. A guy I went to college with even blocked me on Twitter years ago; I’m guessing he probably didn’t appreciate my assessment of him, but, you know, he did behave that way, so…

Plus, take my polo shirt essay on Racked last week as another example: As a disabled woman, I’d never considered myself a fashionista, but here I am, actually WRITING ABOUT IT!!! I’m so glad I got to write about my love of polo shirts and how they helped me feel more comfortable in my own skin. This was my story and it was freeing to be able to tell it openly and honestly. To hear people say that they appreciate my open, honest and vulnerable voice? THIS is why I write!! I’m humbled from the bottom of my heart!!!

The lesson here?

NEVER BE AFRAID TO SHARE YOUR STORY. OWN IT. Don’t let anyone tell you that disability and fashion can’t co-exist! And above all, don’t ever let anyone tell you that your story doesn’t matter. Because it does — and it always will. Express yourself to the world!! #BeBraveBeYou

Guess what?? I’ve got some great news, friends!! The short answer: You can now Subscribe By Email…

I’ve been getting lots of email from amazing readers this week and I’m so happy to welcome new readers to So About What I Said! One of those kind readers let me know that the Subscribe By Email feature wasn’t working (thanks, Valerie!), so I spent some time on Tuesday fixing everything.

I installed WordPress’ email subscription option that comes with Jetpack and — *fingers crossed* — it looks like SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW WORKING!!!

So, if you haven’t already, please head on over to the right-hand side of this very blog and enter your email to have the blog posts from Yours Truly delivered right to your inbox! What could possibly be better than that??

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See, it’s right there — all ready for the taking! Do you hear that? It’s practically screaming your name! Go ahead…you KNOW you want to!

And on that note, THANK YOU as always, friends! I’m in love with this space we’ve created and I’m always here to listen to your suggestions/ideas for blog posts. Feel free to send them my way any time! My email is mellow1422@aol.com in case it’s not in your address book already! Love you all…and welcome to the new faces!! xoxo

So About What I Said is a daily blog that covers relationships, disabilities, lifestyle and pop culture. I love to laugh and have been known to overshare. I also have an unabashed obsession with pop music, polo shirts, and PEZ dispensers. Read more...